Machu Picchu Travel

Ollape Archaeological Complex

Ollape is a town that dates back between 700 and 900 years A.C. It covers 5 hectares and contains around 120 structures. Although it is called a village, some authors consider it a ceremonial center. This structure is from the Chachapoya culture. So, its architecture and features are like those seen in other archeological sites in the region. 

This complex of circular stone houses was built by the Chachapoyas Culture. The buildings are circular. They are made of stone with mud mortar. They have geometric decorations including diamonds that look like Puma eyes and zigzagging figures that show a serpent. 

They have rhomboidal and zigzag stone decorations and high cornices on their walls. They were built of stone with mud mortar, as were other buildings during the Chachapoyas' rule (1100 - 1350 AD).

These traits shed light on the Chachapoyas' beliefs as they worshipped many gods. Some were shown as ornamental motifs in most of their monuments. Additionally, niches containing human remains were discovered at this location.

The location is surrounded by farmland and vegetation. From here, you can see Jalca Grande, Amazonas' most traditional community. The building was built in 1540, during the early period of Spanish control.  This building features Chachapoyan design and art as well.

Ollape is a town that dates back between 700 and 900 years. It covers 5 hectares and contains around 120 structures. Although it is called a village, some authors consider it a ceremonial center, its architecture and features of this Chachapoya archeological complex are the same as those in the region.

Getting to Ollape:

Ollape is located in the Amazonas area of Chachapoyas, in the district of Jalca, at an altitude of approximately 3425 meters above sea level. It is 6 kilometers from Jalca la Grande, it takes between thirty minutes and an hour to walk to this place.

Weather:

Rain can fall throughout the year in Amazonas, including severe downpours. However, rainfall reduces dramatically between May and October. 

Ollape has a mild climate, but its high elevation makes some days quite chilly. Temperatures drop to around 2°C.